The Bishop of Anglican Communion, Mbamili diocese, Rt. Rev. Henry Okechukwu Okeke has warned that the latest fuel pump price and electricity tariff hikes would have devastating impacts on the poor masses in Nigeria, urging the federal government to have a rethink on the controversial decision.
Bishop Okeke who was fielding questions with journalists during the 4th synod held at the St John Anglican Church, Umueze Anam in Anambra West local government area of Anambra state described the decision by the Muhammadu Buhari led administration to raise energy tariff at a time the country was still struggling with coronavirus pandemic shockwaves as “shocking and unbelievable”.
“Such decision came to me as well as other well-meaning Nigerians as a rude shock. It’s unbelievable that the federal government of Nigeria could at this time of unprecedented hardship that is ravaging many families as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic take such a rash decision”, Bishop Okeke said, while urging the presidency to have a rethink on the decision.
“The government should consider the plight of the poor masses in Nigeria and urgently do something about this fuel price and electricity tariff hikes because it sends wrong signal to the whole world, especially on capability of the APC government to manage the current situation.
“I think Nigerians are not receiving it with joy at all” –Bishop Okeke
Fuel Price hike protesters
According to the cleric, it was wrong for the government to stand aloof or impose more burdens on the masses at such critical times like this. “I think Nigerians are not receiving it with joy at all. For the rich people, it may not mean anything to them but to the poor people, this new price regimes comes with serious consequences because they are likely to become poorer and unable to meet their needs. I therefore call on the federal government to have a rethink and urgently reverse this decision.
Bishop Okeke had earlier in his valedictory speech charged the Anambra state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano to address the infrastructural challenges faced by residents of Anambra West local government area, especially access roads. He expressed regrets that despite Anambra government’s claims that the state has one of the best road networks in the country, the Anambra West council that was regarded as a food basket area of the state was not accessible and lack other basic social amenities. He expressed regrets that the Umuikwu-Umudora -Onono road flagged off by governor Obiano in 2019 and the Otuocha-Nzam-Ibaji federal highway project flagged off in 2010 by the federal government have been stalled, despite evidences that completion of the projects would open up the area and boost economic activities.
“There is urgent need for both the federal and Anambra state governments to focus on providing access roads to people in Anambra West because that would also be “I want ask on behalf of the Ndi-Anambra West our dear governor, please remember Anambra West in terms of road infrastructure. Fix our roads, we appeal to you to come to our rescue “.
Bishop Okeke, his wife and some participants after the programme